A man has lost a number of fingers during an alleged assault in Waterford.

The incident happened at 3pm yesterday afternoon at Priory Lawn in Ballybeg.

It is being reported that he was beaten before his assailants cut off two of his fingers and his thumb with a saw or a large knife.

Gardaí have found a stolen car which was used to make their getaway and they are conducting house-to-house inquiries in an effort to make an arrest.

The man, who is said to be in his 20s, was rushed to Waterford University Hospital and has since been transferred to Cork University Hospital.

Gardaí in Waterford are appealing for anyone with information to contact them.